Arsenal & England star Leah Williamson voted top in BBC Women’s Hour Power list
Arsenal & England star Leah Williamson voted top in BBC Women’s Hour Power list by Michelle
Leah Williamson, the captain of England Women’s team and a defender for Arsenal, has been ranked first on the 2023 Woman’s Hour Power List by BBC Radio 4. Lotte Wubben-Moy, an England and Arsenal defender, also made the list and was placed seventh among the thirty shortlisted women.
“It’s lovely – I’m just trying to do my job,” Williamson said. “My mum will be happy! It’s really nice, I’m slightly taken aback by that but very appreciative.
“As women we’ve been living in the shadows, maybe, but we know that we have the ability to step up. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it – which is why when we do recognise women like this, it’s great because those aspiring to be in these positions can believe that there is a place for them in the sporting world.”
Leah Williamson led England’s Lionesses to victory in the 2022 European Championship and is a vocal advocate for equal opportunities for girls in sports. She played a significant role in the UK government’s recent announcement of the PE Pledge, which aims to provide girls with equal access to football in schools. In an open letter by the Lionesses, Leah and her teammates argued that both boys and girls should have the same level of access to sports in schools.
Meanwhile, Leah’s Arsenal and England teammate, Lotte Wubben-Moy, was also recognized for her efforts in supporting this campaign and ensuring that the Lionesses’ victory in Euro 2022 would have a lasting impact on women’s football.
“A conversation led by Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson on the bus from the Trafalgar Square celebrations has delivered real change in society and the announcement is a testament to their tenacity and excellent engagement with the Government. The FA are as proud of them as we have ever been,” said Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football for The FA and second on this year’s Power List.
The panel responsible for judging the Woman’s Hour Power List comprised Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sam Quek, and Ebony Rainford-Brent, and was chaired by Jessica Creighton.
Michelle Maxwell
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